Journalist and commentator Viktor Vatsko explained how the coaching issue should be resolved in the Ukrainian national team after qualifying for the WC-2026 playoffs.
Victor Vatsko— I hear many discussions, read in the comments that Rebrov should be dismissed. I am ready to dispute anything: at this stage of our development, we will struggle with any coach at the helm. We will not be a spectacular team with any coach. Unfortunately, our players are not exceptionally outstanding. There are many players of this level in modern football, competition is high. After all, you see what results our clubs demonstrate in European competitions.
It should be remembered that historically, Ukraine’s national team game never particularly looked like a magnificent red carpet. Yes, as a coach, Rebrov has not proven himself to be incredibly impressive. Under his management, the Ukrainian team does not look like a stylish, charismatic, recognizable team. It looks more like a team that suffers.
But at the moment, I am not ready to understand and accept the question of Rebrov’s resignation. He is not impressive, but he is not a failure in terms of results. And football at this level is about results.
Rebrov led the team to the European Championship. Rebrov kept the team in League B of the Nations League. And I believe that League B is an objective reflection of the real level of the Ukrainian national team at the moment. Although, perhaps, this is one of the biggest problems for Rebrov as a coach: as a tactician, as a motivator. We face the top teams to fend them off.
It turns out that Serhiy Rebrov as a coach keeps the Ukrainian team at its usual level. Neither higher nor lower, at the usual level.
If we look at the situation calmly, without emotions, operating only with facts, Rebrov’s future depends on achieving the main task set by the president of the UAF — reaching the World Cup. The victory over Iceland did not change anything globally. If we pass the playoffs, Rebrov is the coach of the Ukrainian national team, leading to the World Cup. If we do not pass the playoffs... — said Vatsko in his author’s program on Youtube.
